out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd
1
: moving, directed, or turned toward the outside or away from a center
an outward flow
2
a
: situated on the outside : exterior
b
: able to be seen
outward beauty
no outward evidence of injury
3
: of or relating to appearances rather than to the mind or the inner life
Their marriage was still quite normal to/by/from all outward appearances.
4
: external
out·ward
ˈau̇t-wərd
variants
or outwards
1
: toward the outside
2
obsolete
: on the outside : externally
: external form, appearance, or reality
Cite this Entry
“Outward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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